DeProfundus Nina McNeely
Who we are
LA POPS UP, a groundbreaking new project spearheaded by Kitty McNamee (Hysterica) and Kelly Hargraves (Dance Camera West), showcasing the personal vision of over 30 of LA’s most influential choreographers.
This project highlights the extraordinary talent within Los Angeles' diverse dance community, bringing their innovative dance films to a global audience.
What we do
We curate
LAPU carefully curates a roster of dance focused films created by LA based choreographers and directors.
We collaborate
LAPU collaborates with other festivals and presenters to create one of a kind programs of eclectic and diverse films.
Kitty mcnamee
is an artist, a creator and most importantly a collaborator. Her passion for the human heart, psychology and storytelling fuels her work with non-dancers and dancers alike.
Her early years in LA were spent honing her craft as Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Co., a consistently prolific and creative collective that redefined dance in Los Angeles. Her unique approach to direction and choreography was declared by Dance Magazine to possess “an outsize talent for that most elusive gift, originality.” Kitty’s dance films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide. She currently has several dance centric documentary projects in development.
Coming to dance late, Kitty’s deep appreciation and hunger for engagement has kept her creative practice at the forefront of her life ever since. She is deeply committed to the dance community, serving as mentor and advocate for the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
Kelly hargraves
Dance Camera West (DCW) kicks off its milestone 25th-anniversary festival this year, helmed by Kelly Hargraves, the Executive and Artistic Director behind this globally celebrated dance film festival. A trailblazer in the intersection of movement and film, Kelly has been instrumental in shaping DCW’s legacy, from co-founding the dance film in festival in 2001 to returning in 2018 with a renewed vision of inclusivity and innovation.
Kelly’s roots are in dance and film, which provide the foundation of her pioneering work with DCW, including her advocacy for underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Visibility Program. She has seen first hand how the genre of dance film has evolved over the years, amplifies the importance of creative collaborations, and hopes that the festival continues to unite artists and audiences from around the world.
The 25th edition of DCW is a testament to the transformative power of dance and cinema - offering a space to heal, connect, and celebrate creativity in these times of adversity.
